Joseph g



(No Model.)

J. G. HESTER.

' PEN HOLDER.

Patented Apr. 24, 1883.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH G. HESTER, OF WASHINGTGN, DISTRIGT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TO JULIUS LANSBURGH, OF SAME PLACE.

PEN-HOLDER.

' SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 276,535, dated April 24, 1883.

Application filed September 19, 1882. (No model.)

.To all whom it may concern:

the nib.

My invention is an improvement on the device for which Letters Patent were. granted to me, dated September 6, 1881, numbered 246,7 69, wherein I show and describe, within the sheath of a pen-holder. an ejector, one end of which is adapted to confine a pen-nibbetween the outer surface of said ejector and the inner surface of the sheath, and the means employed for releasingthe nib from position. Experience has demonstrated that the best results can be attained in pen-holders of this character by keeping the pen-nib from contact with any part of the sheath, so that in no instance shall any ink lodge thereon. The sheath is sometimes made of material that will become decomposed or deteriorated by action of the ingredients composing the ink. Other sheaths are made of substances absorbent in their nature, and others (especially when metal is employed) are liable to oxidation. Again, in some instances,

when the ink comes in contact with the sheath, deposits are made that will incrustate and interfere with the free action of the clamping or holding end of the movable ejector within the sheath.

In carrying out my invention I provide upon the ejector-stem, and forming an integral part thereof,aloearin gpointor shoulder, against which one end of the operative spring shall impinge,thus dispensing with any independent stop for said spring.

To the accomplishment of these ends my invention consists in the provision of an ejector or stem provided with a pen-retaining plug having a shoulder or bent portion at or near its middle supplied with an operative spring.

My invention further consists in the special details of construction of the several parts and in combinations thereof, as hereinafter set forth and specifically claimed.

In order that those skilled in the art to which my invention relates may fully understand its construction and operation, I will proceed to describe the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in whichfsimilar letters of reference indicate like parts on each figure, and in which- I Figure 1 represents a central longitudinal section of a pen-holder embodying my invention, showing the nib graspedin position for use. Fig. 2 is an enlarged central longitudinal section of the lower halt of the sheath, ejector, and several attachments. Fig. 3 represents the lower end of a pen-holder embodying my invention, the lining-thimble beingas described in Patent No. 246,769. Figs. 7

and 8 represent parts in detail.

A represents a tubular sheath, which may be made of. any suitable material, shown in the drawings as tapering-in form; but it may be of any shape or configuration that taste or con venience may dictate. It is formed hollow or with an axial bore from end to end. adapted to receive a longitudmany-reciprocating ejectorstem, B, which is provided at its forward end with a head or clamping-plug, 0, preferably made hollow and of sheet metal and having a lower small laterally-projecting lip, c, that in its normal position rests against the lower edge of the hollow thimble D and arrests its passage upward within said thimhle and the sheath A. The clamping-plug O has upwardly-pro jecting ears 0, which have orifices to receive a bent hook or linkon the ejector-stem, or it may be attached thereto by rivets. The relative diameters of the plug G and thimble D are such that a sufficient space is left between the surfaces of the two to accommodate and securely hold the pen-nib when intermediately introduced.

B is an ejector-stem. It is a plain rod or wire bent over at its lower end so as to form the hook-link b, or it may be flattened and supplied with a hole to receive a rivet, as shown in detail, Fig. 8. About its middle said stem has a turn or bend, b, and is preferably supplied with a short sleeve, 12 under said bend b. The stem B fits loosely within the sheath A, and is so formed in relation to said sheath that it shall move freely within the sheath in an axial line.

- D is a hollow thimble that is placed within the month end of the sheath A, and serves as a lining therefor a short distance upon its inner surface. It has an opening at its upper part to admit the free passage of the stem B; but at the same time the construction of the head of said thimble must be such thatwhiie it will admit of the free propulsion and retraction of the stem B, it will not allow the spring B to pass through the head-opening. It is manifest that many mechanical devices can be employed to effect this purpose. A washer, d, with a central opening of sufiicient size for passage of the stem B, will accomplish the desired end, (see Figs. 1, 2, 3;) but as the thimble D is preferably made of one piece of sheet metal, the preferable form (see Fig. 5) is to construct a hollow sleeve with a strip or brid gepiece, 01, across the upper end, provided with an opening, dfl large enough to allow the free passage of the stem, but outside of said opening, affording a resting-place for the lower turn of the spring B.

B is a spiralspring encircling the stem B, the lower end resting upon a solid upper part of the thimble D, the other end impinging against the bent shoulder b on the stem B or against the sleeve 11 when one is employed. Themovementof the ejectorstem downwardly is effected by pressing on the tip b Said tip may extend outwardly beyond the end of the sheath, as shown, or may be covered with a sliding cap fitting thereover, as is common with devices of this description, and this forms no part of my invention.

It will be seen and understood that the stem cannot be retracted outwardly beyond a given distance, its action being limited by the small lip c on the plug U. The plug 0 should preferably slightly taper from its lower periphery upwardly, the object being to reduce to a minimum friction between it and the surrounding thimble D.

The operation of my invention is manifest. The butt-end of the nib is introduced between the plug 0 and thimble D, and is ready for use, the spring B keeping the plug 0 snugly in place and providing a gripping-seat for the nib.

When it is desired to remove the nib it need not be handled and the fingers soiled. Slight pressure is applied to the tip N, which propels the ejector-stem B downward and the plug 0 passes entirely outward, causing the nib to drop out of engagement within its seat. As soon as pressure is withdrawn the retractile force of the spring B returns the ejector-stem and draws the plug 0 within the thimble D, ready for introduction of a new nib.

Having now fully described my invention, what I claim is 1. In an ejectible pen-holder, the stem B, having at or near its middle a bent shoulder, I), provided at its terminal end with plug 0, and supplied with spring B, as and for the purpose set forth, substantially as described.

2. The sheath A of a pen-holder bored or open from end to end, provided with an inner mouth-end thimble,D,the swinging plugG,having a lower laterally-projecting lip, c, and the ejector-stem B, having a bent shoulder, b, at or near its middle, in combination with the spring 13', all arranged as described, and adapted in practice to receive and grasp a pen-nib between said thimble and plug and to eject it therefrom by longitudinal pressure, substantially as described.

3. The tubularpen-holder provided with-an interior ejector-stem, B, having an integral shoulder, I), connected to a swinging plug, (7, and the mouth-thimble D, having an upper bridge-strip, d, supplied with an aperture, d adapted to receive the stem B, in combination with the spring B, all arranged as set forth, as and for the purpose intended, substantially as described.

JOSEPH G. HESTER.

Witnesses:

S. H. J ACOBSON, J. W. REILY. 

